Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), the first female Italian physician, was one of the most influential pioneers of early childhood schooling. She based her method of teaching upon the spontaneous interest of children in learning. Her ideas have become valued worldwide and continue to influence mainstream education.

Dr. Montessori realized that young children should be fully stimulated during the most formative learning period of their lives, from birth to six years of age. Speaking about her methods she once commented; “The child’s work is creating the person he will become.”

The Benefits
Children leave a Montessori program with strong fundamental educational skills. Studies have shown that Montessori children continue to excel throughout their academic years and develop to their fullest potential.

The Environment
Montessori considered her emphasis on the environment a unique element of her method. The “prepared environment” is a place where the child can learn independence by doing things for them-selves and provides a comfortable non-competitive world in which to grow and learn.

Respect for others creates a co-operative atmosphere. Children move around the room with all materials within easy reach thus allowing freedom of choice.

Role of the Teacher
The role of the teacher is to guide each child, introducing materials, and assisting where needed. An important task is careful observation. This helps the teacher prepare the environment with the child’s interest in mind. The teacher is constantly alert to the direction in which the child is going, and actively works to help the child achieve their goals. The Montessori teacher facilitates the classroom activities, carefully planning the environment, and helping progress from one activity to the next. Montessori professionals are trained to deal with each child individually. This is often called “following the child”. A Montessori teacher often stands back while the child is working, allowing them to gain satisfaction in their own discoveries. Montessori tools promote motor skills as well as development of the mind.